G-Mat 6 (and maybe 7...)

I've just finished cutting the material for G-Mat 6. Basically, I'm aiming for what G-Mat 5 was supposed to be!

I've also been talking to Dale Solomonson about K-Mats and also to nspye about a K-Mat design he saw which George Greenough had made for himself. As an I-beam free design it should be quick to build so I think I can fit it in and build it simultaneously.

We shall see.....

G

So whats a K mat and what the difference in design ?
Looking forward to the build !!!

K-Mats are a Greenough design, although Dale, Paul and others have all had a hand in it. They're basically a 3 pontoon mat with very low or, more often, no I-beams. Basically, you have 3 sausages!

Apparently super hard to ride they have to be used at Magic Towel inflations. Specifically for small, sloppy rubbish waves and go like an absolute bomb!

The "K" refers to George Greenough's mate Boyd Kelner who pioneered their use.

Cheers

G

PS If any of that history is wrong I'm happy to be corrected by them what know.

Very Interesting as Schultz would say....
I'll hsve a think about that design...

How does Schultz pronounce "hsve"?



G

Keep us informed on the progress,theres so much time and love invested in every build.

Both cut and marked up so welding will begin when I have a chance.

G

Making a start on welding in a mo.

G

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!

sh*t p*ss c*nt f*ck tw*t w*nk b*ll*cks!!!!!!!!



Breath in...

Breath out...



So then, what we have here is what is commonly called "a melt through". Basically, the rheostat controlloing the temperature of my welder decided to pack up, meaning the welder got hotter and hotter...

A bottom skin and three I-beams are now in the bin and I have a new rheostat on order.

So, that's my new 4 pontoon mat on hold for a while.



I'll get on with the K-Mat once all's fixed. This means the K-Mat will now be G-Mat 6. Perhaps I should number these after I make them!



Cheers

G

What an absolute caaaaaaaaaaaaaaaant!

huh didnt know the k-mat was beam-less model...... I sent dale a mail a while back and have heard nothing from him.... I just wanted some info on the k-mat... sounds like im better off on a contrail and get one of pauls new models for micro-wave cooking..

Thats a real shame Graeme... No one knows the misery of rooting something that was special. And theyre all special.
i feel your pain.....
HAve a yell, curse, break something cheap and then compose yourself to move on.
Looking forward to the K-Mat.
is this how it looks with room for air to move at both ends ?

Yes, although you'd never have it like that!

Only 3/4" breathing room at the ends.

G

So all 3 pontoons are the same size? thinking this could be a good first build with the sewing machine..... Maybe the S.U.L. 30D silnylon will work better in the machine....

Certainly the simplest build but hardest ride. Some K-Mats use I-beams but the simplest don't.

G

Rheostat's arrived already!!!


G

G-Mat 6 is all built. It is CRAZILY wheezy, making a whoopie cushion fart noise during inflation. For that reason I've called her "Whoopie Blueberg".

Anyway, word is you ride K-Mats at virtually flat inflation so there is hardly any air movement between pontoons so the wheeziness isn't an issue.

Weird looking thing though!

Ride report to follow.

Cheers

G

tiny i-beams or beam-less? ..looks awsome

No I-beams, hence the weird shape!



G

Like the look of that!the vulkem looks good, looks nice and thin?

Yup. Light fabric and light grip. Feels like a bin bag!

G

Gah... The material wasn't up to it and quickly failed.

Too small for me. Piskian had some good rides and is gonna have a crack at a repair. Long shot though.

Didn't really get a chance to tap into the famous speed.

G

To add to the confusion, I've just finished welding up a 3 pontoon mat too replace G-Mat 3. It's the same design but 70/70 rather than 200/70. I've also rounded the front corners a touch to reduce catchiness. I've also gone flat across the bottom.

Gotta dye it, etc. This will be G-Mat 7, meaning the mat which was originally G-Mat 6 and then became G-Mat 7 will now become G-Mat 8!!!!

I'll post a pic when finished. Awaiting Tremflex for lettering.

G

It's red by the way.

G

G-Mat 7 (AKA "Kenneth") is all finished!

Very light 70/70d, think Stippleback Vulkem grip. 1/4" concave. Vulkem's still curing so plan to ride it on Sunday.

Cheers

G